SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 02/12/03

Scottish Socialist Party MSPs have criticised the BBC over its willingness to promote Coca Cola to young people when there is an epidemic of obesity in children.
Frances Curran, the Socialists’ MSP for West of Scotland, has tabled a motion critical of the BBC and Coca Cola. The soft drinks giant gave an undertaking less than a fortnight ago to stop targeting their products at under 12 year olds. But now it has secured sponsorship of the Official UK Charts meaning Coca Cola’s name will be prominently featured and mentioned in every Top of Pops show broadcast.
Frances Curran MSP said, “We can see that Coca Cola’s voluntary agreement to stop targeting children was absolutely worthless. It’s high time we completely banned the advertising of fast food to children. There is already an epidemic of obesity amongst children and the health consequences are going to be disastrous unless we act soon”.